HIGHLIGHTS OF THE MARCH 11, 2025 COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING | |
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These highlights will give residents a quick review of the most recent County Commission meeting and provide video, agenda, and other useful links.
World Masters Indoor Championships
Communications Director Mark Sexton reminded residents that Alachua County is set to become the first location in the United States to host the World Masters Indoor Championships in less than two weeks.
The event is free for all attendees and will feature over 3,700 participants from 99 countries. The sports competition will run from March 23-30 and include indoor track and field events, cross country, road race, race walk and outdoor long throws.
For more information and to volunteer, visit www.wmaci2025.com.
Read the complete highlights for this meeting.
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Forward Focus: Eastern Alachua County’s Community Input Session in Monteocha | |
The Alachua County Commission is continuing its community input sessions for the Forward Focus initiative, which aims to improve quality of life, enhance economic opportunities, and address the needs of residents in Eastern Alachua County. An input session will be held in Monteocha at the Jerusalem Church of God by Faith Fellowship Hall (1230 NE 156th Avenue, Gainesville) on Thursday, March 13, 2025, at 6 p.m. All residents, community leaders, and local business owners are encouraged to attend. This session follows previous meetings held in Hawthorne, Waldo, and Micanopy.
“The feedback we’ve received so far has been incredibly valuable,” said Assistant County Manager and Forward Focus Team Lead Missy Daniels. “We’re learning so much about the priorities and concerns of residents in Eastern Alachua County, and we encourage everyone to participate in these important conversations.”
Learn more about the Forward Focus event.
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Alachua County Announces Return of the Eco Chase Challenge – The Race Against Waste | |
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The Alachua County Department of Solid Waste and Resource Recovery is excited to announce the return of the wildly popular Eco Chase Challenge – The Race Against Waste. This scavenger hunt-style competition engages county residents in a fun and interactive way to promote sustainability, recycling, waste reduction and environmental awareness.
The Eco Chase Challenge is a free, three-month event (March through May) where 50 teams of Alachua County residents will compete using the Goose Chase app.
Each team comprising up to five participants with linked mobile devices will complete engaging missions to earn points and win over $2,000 in cash and prizes. Some missions include submitting photos and videos, answering trivia questions, attending community events and visiting eco-friendly locations around the county.
Find out more about the challenge.
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Fourth Annual Artist Conference | |
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The Alachua County Arts Council is pleased to announce the fourth annual Artists Conference on Friday, April 25, 2025, at the Extension Auditorium (22712 W Newberry Rd, Newberry). The conference features a record 11 presentations on various topics of interest to local artists. Those interested in attending this free conference should complete and return a 2025 Artists Conference Registration Form by April 18, 2025.
Conference organizers are still looking for a breakfast sponsor for the conference. Those who want to be a sponsor should complete and return the Artists Conference Sponsor Form.
View the conference schedule.
The Alachua County Arts Council’s mission is to improve the quality of life of Alachua County residents by increasing exposure to the arts, expanding opportunities for creative expression by local artists, and increasing community resources for the arts.
“The Arts Council is pleased to host our fourth annual Artists Conference, bringing relevant information and educational opportunities to our local artists,” said Arts Council Chair Stephanie Silberman.
Learn more about the Alachua County Arts Council.
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Jason Maurer Completes Prestigious NRPA Directors School | |
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Congratulations to Alachua County Parks & Open Space Director Jason Maurer for successfully completing the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) Directors School, a highly competitive and sought-after professional development program. The application process is rigorous, and all spots for this year’s class were filled within 24 hours of registration opening.
Over the course of two years, Maurer engaged in intensive training on leadership, strategic planning, community development and financial sustainability.
“His achievement reflects his dedication to enhancing Alachua County’s parks and recreation services and ensuring a lasting positive impact on our community,” said Gina Peebles, assistant county manager and chief of staff. “We are proud of Jason’s accomplishment and look forward to the leadership and innovation he brings to our parks and open spaces.”
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Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives to Feature Alachua County Eateries | |
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Alachua County’s distinctive culinary scene is set to take center stage as Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives features local eateries in upcoming episodes, with the first episode airing Friday, March 14, 2025, at 9 p.m. on the Food Network.
Visit Gainesville, Alachua County, the official tourism marketing organization and Film Commission for Alachua County, facilitated the production, including initial coordination, permitting guidance, and destination support.
Read more about the upcoming episodes.
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Northwest 138th Avenue to be Closed for Pavement Improvement | |
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Alachua County Public Works announces that Northwest 138th Ave. will be closed entirely for pavement repairs beginning on March 17, 2025. The closure is expected to last approximately one month but will depend on the weather. The roadway will remain open for local property access only.
The section that will be temporarily closed is approximately 600 feet long and begins 700 feet west of CR 235A. See the map provided showing the detour route. Please plan accordingly, as this may add time to your commute.
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Alachua County Launches Routes to Roots Campaign to Offset Carbon Footprint Through Tree Planting | |
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Visit Gainesville, Alachua County, in collaboration with the Alachua County Environmental Protection Department (EPD) and Parks and Open Space, has launched the "Routes to Roots" campaign, a sustainability initiative to offset travel's carbon footprint by planting trees. The campaign invites visitors, residents, and businesses to contribute to tree-planting efforts, enhancing the local environment while supporting carbon sequestration.
The Routes to Roots campaign kicks off in conjunction with the upcoming World Masters Athletics Indoor Championships. Its goal is to raise funds to plant 20 trees at the forthcoming arboretum at West End. Donations of all sizes are welcomed, with a donation of $75 covering the cost of planting and maintaining a tree. Beyond the initial launch, the initiative will become a permanent feature on the Visit Gainesville Alachua County website, encouraging year-round contributions to support reforestation and environmental sustainability.
Find out more about Routes to Roots.
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Alachua County Seeks Applicants for Children’s Trust | |
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Alachua County is now accepting applications from individuals interested in serving on the Children’s Trust of Alachua County (CTAC). CTAC is an independent special district with taxing authority dedicated to funding preventive, developmental and treatment services that support the well-being of local children.
CTAC is governed by a 10-member board, featuring five members appointed by the governor. The governor makes appointments from a list of names recommended by the Alachua County Commission. Currently, there is one vacancy and four board members eligible for reappointment.
“CTAC funds and supports a coordinated system of community services that allows all youth and their families to thrive,” said CTAC board chair and County Commissioner Ken Cornell, referring to the mission and values statements. “It facilitates equitable access and opportunities for all children, youth and families in Alachua County to ensure every child reaches their maximum potential.”
Read more about the Children's Trust.
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County Seeks Advisory Board Volunteers | |
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Are you looking for a volunteer opportunity that allows you to give back to your community and participate in your County's decision-making process? Serving on an Alachua County Advisory Board offers you this chance. The County Commission relies on input from these Boards to make informed decisions and set policies.
Over 250 citizens serve on Advisory Boards that advise the County Government and local agencies on various topics. These include affordable housing, economic development, environmental protection, human rights, County finances, and many others. The Alachua County Commission seeks citizen volunteers to serve on several Advisory Boards.
Learn more and apply for an advisory board.
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